I had the pleasure of embarking on a 12-day Alaska cruise aboard Oceania’s Regatta from Los Angeles to Vancouver in May 2024. With a capacity of just 684 passengers, this small-ship luxury experience offered an intimate and refined atmosphere.

One of the standout features of this cruise was the absence of long lines—whether for dining or entertainment, there was always a seat available. True to its reputation for providing the finest cuisine at sea, I indulged in lobster daily and enjoyed delightful high tea sessions.

Navigating the ship was effortless due to its compact size, and this created a welcoming environment where I met many fellow passengers who quickly became friends. I would highly recommend sailing with Oceania; they offer a variety of itineraries that cater to different tastes and preferences, ensuring a memorable and luxurious experience for every traveler.

I traveled to Canada and New England aboard the Emerald Princess October 2023. Our balcony stateroom was comfortable, although the bathroom and shower were somewhat compact. The dining experience was above average, and the service was exemplary, consistent with Princess Cruises' reputation for exceptional entertainment. The ship featured a wide range of entertainment options, lounges, and bars, as well as two new casual dining venues. However, the size of the ship meant that tendering to ports involved a wait, as passengers were called by number. The Princess Plus Package offered excellent value, including alcoholic beverages, soft drinks, specialty coffees, gratuities, and more.

Our itinerary included visits to:

• New York, New York: The bustling metropolis known for its iconic skyline, diverse culture, and world-famous landmarks like the Statue of Liberty and Times Square.
• Boston, Massachusetts: A city rich in American history, offering a blend of colonial heritage and modern charm, with attractions like the Freedom Trail and Fenway Park.
• Bar Harbor, Maine: A picturesque coastal town nestled by Acadia National Park, known for its stunning natural beauty and charming New England atmosphere.
• Saint John, New Brunswick: A historic city on the Bay of Fundy, famous for its reversing rapids and vibrant market square.
• Halifax, Nova Scotia: A lively harbor city with a rich maritime history, featuring attractions like the Halifax Citadel and the beautiful waterfront boardwalk.

I had the pleasure of sailing on the Seabourn Encore from Istanbul to Athens in November 2022. With a modest size of 40,350 tons and a capacity for 600 passengers, the Encore provided an intimate and luxurious experience akin to a private yacht.

Our stateroom was exceptionally spacious, featuring a walk-in closet, a bathroom equipped with both a separate large shower and a tub, and a double vanity—truly a hallmark of opulence.

The dining experience was equally remarkable. In the evenings, the outdoor pool area was transformed into a restaurant, where we enjoyed some of our most memorable meals. Additionally, the extended time at various ports allowed us to thoroughly explore each destination.

While the entertainment was satisfactory, it did not quite meet our expectations and we chose not to attend regularly. This may have been influenced by the timing of our cruise, as it was just post-COVID when travel restrictions were being lifted.

We chose to stay at the SECRETS VALLARTA BAY because it was centrally located allowing up to venture out and explore the town of Puerto Vallarta.

Secrets resort is an excellent ADULT ONLY Resort, the rooms were very comfortable the staff was friendly and the Restaurants were excellent.  I enjoyed relaxing in the lobby bar in the evenings listening to live entertainment.  

If you've never been to Puerto Vallarta do take the time to explore the area and book yourself on a few excursions.  We decided to take the full day tour to San Sabastian which is a historical town nestled in the mountains.  We learned about the history of Puerto Vallarta and Mexico, the tour included tequila tasting and visit to a coffee farm and an authentic Mexican Lunch.  I would highly recommend this tour to anyone who is looking for more than a week on the beach.   There are many tours to choose from including ATV tours in the hills, zip lining, fishing and much more.